West explosion: The devastation

Fertilizer plant explosion in West near Waco on Wednesday, April 17, 2013.

By Compiled by Joe Alexander

on April 22, 2013 7:33 PM

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

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The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer... Photo-4491356.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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In this Wednesday, April 17, 2013, photo provided by Joe Berti, a plume of smoke rises from a fertilizer plant fire near Waco, Texas. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said Thursday morning. (AP Photo/Joe Berti) less

In this Wednesday, April 17, 2013, photo provided by Joe Berti, a plume of smoke rises from a fertilizer plant fire near Waco, Texas. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people ... more

This aerial photo shows a local school, at rear, and an apartment complex, at middle right, near a fertilizer plant explosion site Thursday, April 18, 2013, in Near West, Texas. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. The explosion that struck around 8 p.m. Wednesday, sent flames shooting into the night sky and rained burning embers and debris down on shocked and frightened residents. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

This aerial photo shows a local school, at rear, and an apartment complex, at middle right, near a fertilizer plant explosion site Thursday, April 18, 2013, in Near West, Texas. A massive explosion at the West ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

This aerial photo shows a local school, at rear, and an apartment... Photo-4491347.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Firefighters set a brace to hold up a sagging beam during a search and rescue operation at an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. The explosion that struck around 8 p.m. Wednesday, sent flames shooting into the night sky and rained burning embers and debris down on shocked and frightened residents. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Firefighters set a brace to hold up a sagging beam during a search and rescue operation at an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

Firefighters set a brace to hold up a sagging beam during a search... Photo-4491349.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer... Photo-4490963.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, (left) of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, (left) of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment building destroyed Wednesday by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. The massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

Firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment building destroyed Wednesday by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. The massive explosion at the plant killed as ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

Firefighters conduct a search and rescue of an apartment building... Photo-4492957.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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About 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, firefighters were called to a blaze at the West Fertilizer Co. Shortly after that, a massive explosion at the plant caused enormous damage to the surrounding area.

About 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, firefighters were called to a blaze at... Photo-4494405.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Bryan Anderson shows a photo, Thursday April 18, 2013, of his son Kaden Anderson, 9, after an explosion Wednesday evening at a fertilizer plant in West, Tx. Both father and son were injured in the explosion.

Bryan Anderson shows a photo, Thursday April 18, 2013, of his son Kaden Anderson, 9, after an explosion Wednesday evening at a fertilizer plant in West, Tx. Both father and son were injured in the explosion.

In this Instagram photo provided by Andy Bartee, a plume of smoke rises from a fertilizer plant fire in West, Texas on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/Andy Bartee) MANDATORY CREDIT: ANDY BARTEE

In this Instagram photo provided by Andy Bartee, a plume of smoke rises from a fertilizer plant fire in West, Texas on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night

In this Instagram photo provided by Andy Bartee, a plume of smoke... Photo-4489356.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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People at the Czech Stop look at a cloud of smoke rising from an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (Photo courtesy Andy Bartee via Dallas Morning News/MCT)

People at the Czech Stop look at a cloud of smoke rising from an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (Photo courtesy Andy Bartee via Dallas Morning News/MCT)

Photo: Andy Bartee, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

People at the Czech Stop look at a cloud of smoke rising from an... Photo-4489236.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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The mushroom cloud from the exlosion at the West Fertizer plant was photographed by an finance department employee at Greg May Chevrolet in West, Wednesday, April 17.

The mushroom cloud from the exlosion at the West Fertizer plant was photographed by an finance department employee at Greg May Chevrolet in West, Wednesday, April 17.

Photo: Winslo Lopez, For The Express-News

The mushroom cloud from the exlosion at the West Fertizer plant was... Photo-4499989.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013. (APMichael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News)

A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013. (APMichael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News)

Photo: Michael Ainsworth, Associated Press

A fire burns at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an... Photo-4489252.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a nearby fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin following a blast that damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) less

A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a nearby fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday ... more

Photo: Rod Aydelotte, Associated Press

A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a... Photo-4489940.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a near by fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a near by fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo: Rod Aydelotte, Associated Press

A person looks on as emergency workers fight a house fire after a... Photo-4489142.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Rescue workers gather near a damaged apartment complex after a nearby fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin following a blast that damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) less

Rescue workers gather near a damaged apartment complex after a nearby fertilizer plant exploded Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday ... more

An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school stadium following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused numerous injuries and sent flames shooting high into the night sky on Wednesday. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) less

An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school stadium following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco ... more

Photo: Rod Aydelotte, Associated Press

An elderly person is assisted at a staging area at a local school... Photo-4488966.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Emergency workers evacuate elderly from a damaged nursing home following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused numerous injuries and sent flames shooting high into the night sky on Wednesday. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) less

Emergency workers evacuate elderly from a damaged nursing home following an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco caused ... more

Elderly persons from a nearby nursing home are triaged in a parking lot before being moved to a school stadium following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. The explosion near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) less

Elderly persons from a nearby nursing home are triaged in a parking lot before being moved to a school stadium following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. The explosion ... more

Photo: Rod Aydelotte, Associated Press

Elderly persons from a nearby nursing home are triaged in a parking... Photo-4489360.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Emergency workers assist an elderly person at a staging area at a local school stadium Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant near Waco sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin, causing major damage at nearby buildings and injuring numerous people. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) less

Emergency workers assist an elderly person at a staging area at a local school stadium Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant near Waco sent flames ... more

Photo: Rod Aydelotte, Associated Press

Emergency workers assist an elderly person at a staging area at a... Photo-4488967.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

A fire fighter searches a nursing home that was damaged after an explosion at a neary by fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

A fire fighter searches a nursing home that was damaged after an explosion at a neary by fertilizer plant Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte)

Photo: Rod Aydelotte, Associated Press

A fire fighter searches a nursing home that was damaged after an... Photo-4489364.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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An emergency worker walks through damaged apartment building following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/ Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) less

An emergency worker walks through damaged apartment building following a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night ... more

Smoke fills the air after a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin following a blast that damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Rod Aydelotte) less

Smoke fills the air after a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent ... more

Photo: Rod Aydelotte, Associated Press

Smoke fills the air after a fertilizer plant explosion Wednesday,... Photo-4489937.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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A firefighter walks past a pickup truck with debris from a storage shed on it at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near Waco on Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin following a blast that damaged buildings for blocks in every direction. (AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News, Michael Ainsworth) MANDATORY CREDIT; MAGS OUT; TV OUT; INTERNET USE BY AP MEMBERS ONLY; NO SALES less

A firefighter walks past a pickup truck with debris from a storage shed on it at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion Wednesday April 17, 2013. A massive explosion at the fertilizer plant near ... more

Photo: Michael Ainsworth, Associated Press

A firefighter walks past a pickup truck with debris from a storage... Photo-4489935.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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A Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper blocks a street, Thursday April 18, 2013, near the scene of an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

A Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper blocks a street, Thursday April 18, 2013, near the scene of an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

A Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper blocks a street,... Photo-4494437.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Workers examine the scene of an explosion, Thursday April 18, 2013, at a fertilizer plant, that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Workers examine the scene of an explosion, Thursday April 18, 2013, at a fertilizer plant, that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Workers examine the scene of an explosion, Thursday April 18, 2013,... Photo-4494480.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, (left) of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, (left) of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

This video image porvided by KWTX-TV shows an injured woman from an explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night April 17, 2013 being helped into a waiting ambulance in West Texas. The blast injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/KWTX-TV) less

This video image porvided by KWTX-TV shows an injured woman from an explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night April 17, 2013 being helped into a waiting ambulance in West Texas. The blast ... more

A local sheriff blocks Farm Road 2114 leading into West on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday night.

A local sheriff blocks Farm Road 2114 leading into West on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday night.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

A local sheriff blocks Farm Road 2114 leading into West on Thursday... Photo-4490333.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Shattered windows at West Furniture after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, in West, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday night.

Shattered windows at West Furniture after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, in West, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday night.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows at West Furniture after an explosion at a... Photo-4490334.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Shattered windows on a sidewalk on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Shattered windows on a sidewalk on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows on a sidewalk on Thursday morning, April 18,... Photo-4490336.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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A fire truck drives near Main Street on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

A fire truck drives near Main Street on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

A fire truck drives near Main Street on Thursday morning, April... Photo-4490337.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Shattered windows at West Furniture on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Shattered windows at West Furniture on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Shattered windows at West Furniture on Thursday morning, April 18,... Photo-4490335.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Damage to the Tacker home, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Damage to the Tacker home, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

Damage to the Tacker home, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an... Photo-4508105.60854 - San Antonio Express-News

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Scott Tacker (second from left) and his wife Jennifer Tacker get help from Jennifer's brother Will Matus (left) as they retrieve belongings, Sunday April 21, 2013, from their home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. less

Scott Tacker (second from left) and his wife Jennifer Tacker get help from Jennifer's brother Will Matus (left) as they retrieve belongings, Sunday April 21, 2013, from their home that was damaged by an ... more